Author: Zuzanna Lenart

At this year’s Pebble User Group in London, customers came together to talk openly about what is happening inside their playout operations today. The discussions ranged from SDI to ST 2110 transitions to keeping systems steady during organisational change and shaping what automation needs to deliver in 2025. More than anything, the event reinforced a simple truth. The strongest solutions come from listening to the people who rely on them every day. 

Listening to our customers

Playout and automation sit at the heart of broadcast operations. Reliability, flexibility and efficiency are non-negotiable, yet every broadcaster approaches them differently. Workflows, scale, business pressures and technology strategies all vary, which is why the conversations at PUG matter so much. 

Users shared how Pebble Automation gives them the control they need across mixed environments, how Pebble Remote supports new hybrid operating models, and how Integrated Channel fits into changing delivery requirements. These insights directly influence how we prioritise development. Customer input shapes more than features. It shapes how we think about the future of playout and the real world challenges our technology must meet. 

A sense of community 

Although remote tools keep the industry connected, nothing replaces face to face discussion. For many attendees, PUG is one of the few moments each year to speak openly with people who understand the realities of broadcast operations. 

That sense of community is clear throughout the day. Users compare notes on workflows, share practical tips and explore how others are adapting to IP, cloud or hybrid infrastructure. In a sector often shaped by competitive pressures, seeing such open collaboration is refreshing. Our team leaves inspired by the expertise in the room, and attendees tell us how valuable it is to hear from peers facing similar decisions. 

Shaping the road ahead

The agenda encouraged honest discussion about technology priorities. This year highlighted a broad spectrum of approaches. Some teams remain primarily SDI based. Others are further along with ST 2110 or moving into hybrid environments. What they all shared was the need for solutions that support this variety without compromising the reliability expected of mission critical systems. 

Attendees spoke about how important it is to manage legacy and IP based channels within a single interface. Several also stressed that while new features matter, the stability and predictability of updates matter just as much. Knowing the automation platform will behave as expected gives teams confidence, particularly when responsible for live output. 

The roadmap session was another highlight. Users appreciated seeing what is coming next, but also understanding the reasoning behind those decisions. That visibility helps them plan their own transitions and align internal strategies with Pebble’s future direction. 

UHD surfaced as a topic of interest, though most agreed it remains a future consideration rather than an immediate priority. For now, teams are watching market signals and preparing for adoption once business cases strengthen. 

Strengthening relationships 

At its core, PUG is about relationships. Many customers have worked with Pebble for years, even decades. The event provides the time and space to strengthen those partnerships. Face to face conversation builds understanding in a way that email and calls simply cannot. It allows for nuance, problem solving and clarity. 

For our team, it is a reminder that although we build technology, what we deliver is trust. Customers need to know that when they go to air, Pebble’s systems will support them. The better we understand their goals and pressures, the better our solutions become. 

Learning together

Broadcast technology continues to shift quickly. New delivery models, changing audience habits and evolving infrastructure all present new challenges. PUG gives us the opportunity to pause, reflect and ensure our roadmap stays aligned with what customers actually need. 

Every year, we leave with new ideas and a deeper understanding of the operational realities our users face. That collaboration is what drives meaningful innovation. 

Looking ahead

Technology alone is not what sets Pebble apart. It is the relationships, the shared commitment to quality and the ongoing conversations that shape our direction. The insights gained in London will continue to influence the next generation of Pebble solutions, from user interface improvements to new integrations and deployment approaches. 

In a fast-moving industry, one thing remains constant. Listening, learning and collaborating will always be the most powerful drivers of progress. PUG is where that happens. 

### ENDS ###